The Apology — Vocabulary
Plato
translated by Jowett
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book He said to himself:—I shall see whether the wise Socrates will discover my facetious contradiction, or whether I shall be able to deceive him and the rest of them.†1 more contradict → contradiction:something (typically a statement) that disagrees with itself; or (more rarely) the act of disagreeing Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
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yieldgive in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book But I have been always the same in all my actions, public as well as private, and never have I yielded any base compliance to those who are slanderously termed my disciples, or to any other.†1 more yield → yielded:gave in, gave way, or gave up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
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doctrineprinciple She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more Show sample from book This is my teaching, and if this is the doctrine which corrupts the youth, I am a mischievous person.†2 more a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some … Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
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endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book Well, then, I must make my defence, and endeavour to clear away in a short time, a slander which has lasted a long time.†2 more endeavor → endeavour:to attempt; OR a project or activity attempted Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavor. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
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lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book Then I went to one man after another, being not unconscious of the enmity which I provoked, and I lamented and feared this: but necessity was laid upon me,—the word of God, I thought, ought to be considered first.†1 more lament → lamented:expressed grief or regret Show general definition to express grief or regret
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eloquenteloquent → eloquence:powerful use of language Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.more Show sample from book But of the many falsehoods told by them, there was one which quite amazed me;—I mean when they said that you should be upon your guard and not allow yourselves to be deceived by the force of my eloquence.†2 more Show general definition powerful use of language
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reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book I am that gadfly which God has attached to the state, and all day long and in all places am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you.†2 more reproach → reproaching:criticizing Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
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pretensepretending Nobody is fooled by her pretense.more Show sample from book Then I went to another who had still higher pretensions to wisdom, and my conclusion was exactly the same.†3 more pretense → pretensions:appearances or actions to help one pretend Show general definition a false appearance or action to help one pretend Show editor's word notes This is sometimes seen in the expression "false pretense" or "false pretenses" which is just emphasizing that behavior or actions do not reflect the true situation.
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exileeviction from one's home country She fled Tibet and is living in exile in India.more Show sample from book You must have known Chaerephon; he was early a friend of mine, and also a friend of yours, for he shared in the recent exile of the people, and returned with you.†3 more to force someone to live outside of their homeland… Show general definition to force someone to live outside of their homeland; or living in such a condition or more rarely: voluntary absence from a place someone would rather be
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cross-examinationthe re-questioning of a witness who has already been questioned by the other side in court Prosecutors expect to wrap up their cross-examination tomorrow.more Show sample from book I have told you already, Athenians, the whole truth about this matter: they like to hear the cross-examination of the pretenders to wisdom; there is amusement in it.†3 more careful, detailed questioning Show general definition careful, detailed questioning—especially in court, where the opposing side questions a witness after the other side has questioned them
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heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book Never mind the manner, which may or may not be good; but think only of the truth of my words, and give heed to that: let the speaker speak truly and the judge decide justly.†1 more pay close attention to; or do what is suggested Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
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deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book He said to himself:—I shall see whether the wise Socrates will discover my facetious contradiction, or whether I shall be able to deceive him and the rest of them.†1 more lie or mislead Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
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avengetake revenge for In the story, she wants to avenge the murder of her brother.more Show sample from book Let me die forthwith,' he replies, 'and be avenged of my enemy, rather than abide here by the beaked ships, a laughing-stock and a burden of the earth.†2 more avenge → avenged:took revenge Show general definition take revenge for a perceived wrong
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magistratejudge The local magistrate insisted on a cash payment for the speeding ticket.more Show sample from book And why should I live in prison, and be the slave of the magistrates of the year—of the Eleven?†2 more magistrate → magistrates:judges or civil authorities who conduct a court Show general definition a judge or judicial official The exact meaning of magistrate varies widely depending upon the context. For example: in the U.S. federal court: assists district court judges by handling minor offenses or administrative tasks such as preliminary hearings (often referred to as a magistrate judge rather than just a magistrate) in some U.S. states: a judge in the state court in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and other civil law countries: a sitting magistrate is a judge and a standing magistrate is a prosecutor in England: may be a volunteer without formal legal training who performs a judicial role with regard to minor matters in ancient Rome: a powerful officer with both judicial and executive power
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refuterefute → refuted:argued against The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments.more Show sample from book I reflected that if I could only find a man wiser than myself, then I might go to the god with a refutation in my hand.†2 more refute → refutation:evidence or argument that something is false Show general definition to disprove or argue against
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slandertelling lies that damage the reputation of another In the United States, it is extremely difficult for someone famous to win a slander lawsuit--almost no matter what is said.more Show sample from book Well, then, I must make my defence, and endeavour to clear away in a short time, a slander which has lasted a long time.†4 more lie in such a way as to damage the reputation of another; or the lies told Show general definition lie to damage the reputation of another; or the lies told Show editor's word notes The legal distinction between libel and slander is that libel is an oral offense while slander is written or published.
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enmityhatred between enemies The war has deepened tribal enmity.more Show sample from book Then I went to one man after another, being not unconscious of the enmity which I provoked, and I lamented and feared this: but necessity was laid upon me,—the word of God, I thought, ought to be considered first.†2 more hatred Show general definition hatred toward someone or between people -- typically long-lasting Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): "Enmity" is used in place of synonyms like "hatred" to indicate a feeling that runs deeper and is typically longer in the making.
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impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book I cannot help thinking, men of Athens, that Meletus is reckless and impudent, and that he has written this indictment in a spirit of mere wantonness and youthful bravado.†2 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
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inferfigure out or guess by reasoning Which of the following facts can you infer from the first paragraph?more Show sample from book I suppose you mean, as I infer from your indictment, that I teach them not to acknowledge the gods which the state acknowledges, but some other new divinities or spiritual agencies in their stead.† conclude or guess by reasoning Show general definition to figure out or guess by reasoning
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affidavitwritten statement made under oath She described the incident in an affidavit.more Show sample from book They shall be my prosecutors, and I will sum up their words in an affidavit: 'Socrates is an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others.'†2 more a written statement made under oath Show general definition a written statement made under oath